I’m a food critic on the Mississippi Coast. These are my 10 favorite restaurants in 2021.
The diversity and number of restaurants on the Mississippi Coast is truly remarkable. I write about more than 50 every year, and I do my best not to write about a restaurant more than once, unless there is a big change in menu, location or chef.
Thinking back on the year and making a list of the best ones I have visited is dangerous work indeed. Here is my subjective list of the best restaurants I’ve dined at in 2021. You may have other spots that didn’t make my list, as there were many other delicious places I’ve eaten at over the year. But here are my favorites.
No. 1: Vestige in Ocean Springs
It’s an always an easy choice. Vestige has been my favorite place for years. There’s just not another chef that comes close to Alex Perry and his creativity and attention to detail. Vestige is stunningly good in every way, from the minimalist atmosphere to the incredible menu that changes frequently.
Thorny Oyster in Bay St. Louis.
I’ve been a fan of chef Lauren Joffrion for several years, and she’s the best up-and-coming chef on the Coast. She and Thorny Oyster head chef Jeffrey Hansell are a dynamic duo.
Joffrion is going places. Be sure to try the bouillabaisse if you go.
Thirty-Two at IP Casino Resort
Thirty-Two has long been a favorite of mine. Chef Matt Kallinikos, who has made magic happen at the steakhouse in Biloxi for years, has moved on and we will just have to see how the new chef turns out. Knowing the culinary team at the IP like I do, I am sure it will be great. Thirty-Two remains the most romantic spot on the Coast, especially if you make your reservations for sundown. The view is spectacular.
Quave Brothers in D’Iberville
The po-boys at Quave Brothers has been a favorite of mine for years. No one comes close to their famous pot roast po-boy, and I’ll stand in line for a long time for any of their sandwiches.
Stalla at the Beau Rivage
I love to sit at the chef’s table at Stalla and watch the kitchen in action. It’s as smooth running a kitchen as I have ever seen. Check out the mussels in tomato broth, bruschetta, handmade ravioli, lamb chops and a whole lot more.
White Pillars in Biloxi
Another top pick is chef Austin Sumrall’s White Pillars. Sumrall is a Mississippi native, and he takes Southern inspired food to new levels. Sumrall is one of two James Beard nominated chefs on the Coast, and he deserves that distinction. Check out his chicken and sausage gumbo and the best oysters Rockefeller I have ever had. The bone marrow and streak burger is off the charts, as is the seafood cioppino.
Henry’s in D’Iberville
I am also a huge fan of Henry’s Café and Bakery in D’Iverbille. It is a Vietnamese place and makes my favorite French bread on the Coast. The pho is also extremely good, and the beef stew is sensational. Everything I have had from their extensive menu was top notch, especially the pork dishes.
Greenhouse in Biloxi
To my great sadness, the Greenhouse on Porter in Ocean springs has closed, but the Biloxi location is catching on fire. The quiche is amazing, as is the biscuit and lox, and I love all the sandwiches, including the burger, ham and cheese, pimento and cheese and the roasted chicken salad.
La Nortena in Biloxi
La Nortena, a Mexican place in Biloxi, is also one of my favorites. Everything is good, but I always especially enjoy the burrito and tacos. It is simple fare but delicious.
Sea Level in Pass Christian
The last place I am going to mention is Sea Level in Pass Christian. It is a small wooden building on the beach and has no inside seating. But it is a lovely place to sit at a picnic table and enjoy a great burger, tacos, hot dog and sandwiches.
My apologies to all the great places I have left out, but there simply is not enough room to list them all. Please get out there and check out some of the wonderfully good places to eat on the Coast.
This story was originally published December 20, 2021 at 5:50 AM.